Check, Please! Bay Area Showcases Sonoma Valley Comfort Food

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — KQED's Check, Please! Bay Area returns for its 21st season on July 23 with a Wine Country-focused episode featuring restaurants in Sebastopol, Glen Ellen, and Napa.

The James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series pairs local diners with host Leslie Sbrocco to discuss restaurants they recommend, while reporter Cecilia Phillips explores the Napa Taco Trail.

The July 23 episode highlights Lunch Box in Sebastopol, The Mill at Glen Ellen, and Carabao in Napa. Each restaurant is presented by local diners who explain what sets the establishments apart before joining Sbrocco for a roundtable discussion.

According to KQED, Lunch Box is known for its sandwiches and burgers, while The Mill at Glen Ellen serves comfort food influenced by American, Mediterranean, and Malaysian cuisines. Carabao showcases Filipino-inspired dishes created by chef Jade Cunningham.

The Wine Country episode also follows Phillips as she visits taco vendors across Napa Valley as part of the Napa Taco Trail.

The new season includes four episodes airing Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on KQED 9 beginning July 23.

Additional episodes will feature restaurants in Half Moon Bay, Milpitas, San Francisco, Fremont, Walnut Creek, El Sobrante, Alameda, and Napa.

Among the featured restaurants include:

• Cantina at San Benito House — Half Moon Bay
• Wah Jee Wah — Milpitas
• Buddy — San Francisco
• Afghan Awasana Kabob House — Fremont
• Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill — San Francisco
• Va de Vi — Walnut Creek
• La Cheve — Napa
• Copper Mug — El Sobrante
• Bacogai — Alameda

Another segment follows Phillips to the San Leandro Cherry Festival, where she explores the community's long-running celebration and pie-eating contest.